HK sees eight imported cases, including six possible Omicron cases
Hong Kong authorities have reported eight imported Covid-19 cases on Sunday, with six carrying the N501Y mutant strain – an indicator that they could be infected with the Omicron variant.
The remaining case carried the L452R mutant strain, an indicator for the Delta variant. Genetic sequencing is needed to confirm whether the cases are Omicron or Delta.
Among those who carried the N501Y mutant strains was a 26-year-old woman who arrived in Hong Kong from the United Kingdom via flight VS206 last Friday. She was tested positive upon arrival and remained asymptomatic.
Another 20-year-old woman who traveled from the UK arrived in Hong Kong via flight CX252 last Monday. She developed symptoms last Thursday, and was tested positive at Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong.
A 46-year-old man arrived in Hong Kong from Italy via flight CP134 last Friday. He tested positive upon arrival and was asymptomatic.
A 22-year-old man arrived from Spain by flight QR818 via Qatar last Wednesday. He developed symptoms on Saturday and tested positive at Grand City Hotel in Sai Ying Pun.
A 42-year-old male foreign domestic helper arrived in Hong Kong from India by flight EK384 via the United Arab Emirates last Monday. He tested positive at Rambler Garden Hotel in Tsing Yi and was asymptomatic.
A 31-year-old man arrived in Hong Kong from Kenya by flight QR818 via Qatar last Wednesday. He developed symptoms last Friday and tested positive at Regal Airport Hotel in Chek Lap Kok.
A 59-year-old man arrived from France by flight AY101 via Finland last Friday. He developed symptoms last Thursday and tested positive for the L452R mutant strain upon arrival.
The remaining case was a 62-year-old woman who arrived from Switzerland by flight AY101 via Finland last Wednesday. She developed symptoms last Tuesday and tested positive at Ramada Hong Kong Grand View in North Point. Her case did not involve a mutant strain.
In addition, residents at Cheung Hing Building in Yau Ma Tei are reminded to undergo compulsory testing by Monday.
The compulsory testing notice was issued after a 36-year-old Cathay pilot who lived in the building was confirmed with the Omicron variant during medical surveillance for exempted persons.